Checking your system files for problems
System files are the hardest working files in your computer: they
literally "drive" the computer and house the
"drivers" for your mouse, printer, and monitor, among
others. Every application you install has its own set of system files,
so when an application stops working or won't open, there is a strong
possibility that something could be wrong with its system files. These
files reside in the C:\windows\system directory and usually have
extensions such as .386, .COM, .DLL, .DRV, and .VXD, among others.
The Windows 98 System File Checker scans all the system files
searching for any that may have been modified or corrupted by a recently
installed program. If it finds a problem file, it prompts you to restore
the original file from the manufacturer's install disk. If you ignore
the prompt, you'll be asked about it again the next time you run System
File Checker.
To run System File Checker:
- Click the Start button, point to Programs,
point to Accessories, and then point to Select
System Tools.
- Click System Information.
- On the menu bar, click Tools.
- Click System File Checker.
- Choose either Scan for altered files or
Extract one file from installation disk.
If you choose to scan for altered files, Windows 98 will prompt you
if it finds any corrupt or modified files. Follow the instructions
on screen. However, if you know the file name, you can extract the
file yourself.
Here's how to do it:
- Select Extract one file from installation disk.
- Either type the file name or click the Browse
button to find the file.
- When a file name is entered, click Start
- In the Extract File dialog box, type the path
from where the file will be restored, or click Browse
to find the folder that contains the file. If Windows does not
recognize the file you wish to back up, you may have to manually
enter the path in Save file in to where the
restored file should go, or click Browse to locate
the folder where it should go.
- Click OK.
Note: You may not see the file you need on your
install disks because it may have to be "extracted" from a
compressed file.
